DESIGNED to make booking healthcare appointments as easy as 'buying books off Amazon', is a new app the answer to over-stretched GPs' cares?

Patients are able to have 'face-to-face' consultations with their GP over the Babylon app [GETTY]

We use our mobile phones to buy clothes, play games and check our finances but thanks to a ground-breaking new app, our smart phones could now hold the power to our health.

Babylon, created by former Goldman Sachs banker Ali Parsa, promises to be "your own health service in your pocket".

The virtual surgery gives patients access to doctors 12 hours a day, six days a week, and enables them to book video or phone consultations, text a question or picture to a GP or nurse, and arrange consultations with specialists.

It is the UK's first phone app that allows patients to have "face-to-face" consultations with a doctor 24/7.

And, it is hoped it will allow users to treat their ailments without having to make a trip to the surgery.

Babylon gives patients access to doctors 12 hours a day, six days a week for £7.99 per month [PH/MISSION]

Unlike other healthcare apps, which just check symptoms or allow monitoring of fitness and weight goals, Babylon is the first to offer a comprehensive service.

Patients can book scans and X-rays, and get instant referrals to Babylon specialists or to a BUPA consultant if a physical consultation is needed.

And, prescriptions can be delivered directly to a patient's home or nearby pharmacy.

The app, which is available on both iPhone or Android, is priced from an affordable £7.99 a month, with the cost increasing depending on the level of contact users have with clinicians.

Patients can also opt for a pay-as-you-go-service, which charges £24 per consultation.

"We are taking advantage of the huge advances made in technology, and linking this with the healthcare system to create a bespoke app that acts as a personal virtual hospital," says CEO of Babylon, Ali Parsa.

Babylon was founded by former Goldman Sachs banker Ali Parsa [PH/MISSION]

He wants to do for healthcare what Amazon does with books or what iTunes did with music.

“In the last five years we have become accustomed to accessing our books, music, friends and work from anywhere and at any time. It is now becoming possible for us to do the same in healthcare.”

All of the consultations patients have are stored on their phones - and protected by a password - for future use. From next year the app hopes to be able to upload NHS patient records.

There is also a function being created called Monitor, which allows users to keep track of their sleeping patterns, exercise and calorie intake.

Babylon has been registered with independent NHS watchdog the Care Quality Commission, and has received designated body status from NHS England — ensuring the company has a statutory duty to make sure all of its clinicians are properly registered.

Babylon is available to download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store from mid-May.